Boat stabilizer-sailing rig

ABSTRACT

Boat stabilizer-sailing rig wherein the mast is free to move arcuately transverse the boat in fixed relationship with associated outrigger stabilizers as the attitude of the stabilizers changes responsive to the wind action on the sail.

United States Patent Sundelin 1451 Oct. 10,1972

BOAT STABILIZER-SAILING RIG [72] Inventor: Allen 0. Sundelin, 16D Thomas Drive, Monroe Park, Wilmington, Del. 19807 [22] Filed: Oct. 6, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 78,405

[52] User. ..114/39 [51] lnt.Cl. ..B63b 35/00 [58] Field of Search ..1 14/39, 91,102

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 559,983 5/1896 McLean ..ll4/9l MGSL' -v FOREIIGNEPAITENTS OR AFPucAnoNs 524,605 5/1931 Germany 1 14/39 Primary Examiner-Trygve M. Blix Attorney-Harry J. McCauley [57] ABSTRACT Boat stabilizer-sailing rig wherein the mast is free to move arcuately transverse the boat in fixed relationship with associated outrigger stabilizers as the attitude of the stabilizers changes responsive to the wind action on the sail.

4 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures SaiL PATENTEDIIM 101972 3' 696 772 sum 2 or 2 mmmm 10 INVENTOB Allen 0. S wzdelin BOAT STABILlZER-SAILING RIG SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally, this invention comprises an outrigger stabilizer-mast step assembly comprising, in combination, journal means attachable to a boat hull'with the longitudinal axis of the journal means disposed substantially within the longitudinal central plane of the boat hull at a point aft of the bow accommodating the associated mast in preselected position lengthwise of the boat hull, and a rigid frame mounted along its base edge within the journal means for free angular rotation in a plane substantially transverse the longitudinal central plane, the frame being provided with an upwardly oriented mast step and, attached to an edge of the frame disposed radially outward from the base edge, outrigger supports extending outboard from the gunwales of the boat hull preselected distances abeam, the outrigger supports being each provided with stabilizer means secured at the outboard ends of the supports in planes generally coparallel with the longitudinal plane of the rigid frame.

DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic fragmentary perspective view of a preferred embodiment of this invention wherein'the stabilizers are floats,

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a boat provided with a rig according to this invention, as seen from aft the boat stern, wherein becalmed position of the mast-outrigger assembly is shown in full-line representation, whereas a typical heeling position taken under a strong wind blowing from abeam is shown in broken-line representation,

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of rigid frame showing details of attachment to the boat hull,

FIG. 4 is an end (right-half) view taken on FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view taken on lines 5-5, FIG. 3, and

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a second embodiment of this invention, as seenfrom aft the boat stern, provided with disconnect means permitting safe knockdown of the sailing mast.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this invention is to provide a boat stabilizer-sailing rig for ready conversion of practically any boat, surf-board or the like to sail power. Additionally, the sailing rig of this invention is of novel design vastly enhancing lateral stability of the craft to which it is attached by incorporating a free-rotational mounting of the mast, permitting it to accommodate, substantially independently of the boat hull, to the constantly changing attitude of the associated stabilizers responsive to the wind action on the sail. Because of this feature, my invention is particularly-applicable to canoes and other small boats of relatively narrow beam; however, application is not in any way limited to these, and the term boat, as hereinafter employed, is intended to comprehend both large and small craft of practically any hull design or construction, and also surf-boards, sail-boards and the like. In addition,

lines 4-4,

because of the improved sailing performance obtained with my invention, my design is also applicable to a wide variety of toy boats, as well as fishermens trolling lures and the like.

The term stabilizer, as hereinafter employed, is intended to encompass buoyant float-type elements and also relatively non-buoyant hydrofoil boards or similar devices affording stabilizing action.

Rigs constructed according to this invention are both compact and light in weight, especially for small boat sizes, and thus can be readily transported on automobile tops, or strapped or tied onto the boat itself when the boat is being transported by regular trailer.

I DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of this invention is shown schematically in a design wherein rig attachment is adjacent floor level of a boat hull 10, shown only partially in broken line representation in this view. I

My rig comprises journal means 11, in this showing consisting of a pair of collars secured to the floor, spaced co-axially with respect to one another substantially within the central longitudinal plane of the boat hull.

mast 16 is telescopically fitted and retained in place by friction, cotter keys or through bolts, not shown. If desired, of course, mast 16 can be of one-piece construction with frame end however, it is preferred to make the mast demountable, as a convenience in transportation.

Outrigger supports 18, which can conveniently be lengths of pipe, are, in this first embodiment, fixedly secured to frame edge 12b substantially normal with respect to the longitudinal plane of frame 12, and extend outboard from the gunwales of the boat hull preselected distances abeam. The outboard ends of outrigger supports 18 are shown bent downwardly for secure attachment of stabilizer means 19, which, in this instance, constitute floats formed to general boat hull shape. Floats 19 are oriented with bow ends directed forward in the same direction as the bow of boat hull l0, and with their longitudinal central planes generally coparallel with the longitudinal plane of frame 12.

The operation of the rig of this invention under sail is shown schematically in FIG. 2, as seen from aft the stern, the sail being omitted for clarity in the representation.

Journal means 11 are shown, in FIG. 2, at deck level, where journal attachment can alternatively be made if the boat is provided with a deck, and if such elevated positioning is especially desired. (In this connection, since the weight of the rig is distributed between floats l9 and hull 10, elevation of the center of gravity incident to deck mounting is ordinarily not a serious problem).

Normal becalmed positions of mast l6, outrigger supports 18 and floats 19 are shown in full-line representation, whereas the corresponding positions under the action of a relatively strong wind blowing from port side abeam are depicted in broken line representation (reference numerals primed). In the latter situation, the attitude of the stabilizers responsive to wind action on the sail has changed radically from the becalmed position, starboard float 19' being now almost entirely water-submerged whereas its companion float 19' to port is completelyout of the water. Nevertheless, since this attitude change is accommodated completely by rotation within journals 11 of frame 12 supports 18 as an entity in a plane transverse the central longitudinal plane of the boat hull 10, the lateral stability of the hull remains virtually unaffected and the boat rides in the water quite independently of wind conditions.

The advantages of lateral stability are manifest, in that the boat does not easily ship water, nor do the occupants suffer discomfort from the heeling action almost constantly present aboard conventional sailing craft. Thus,-there are obtained with this invention great improvements in both safety and passenger comfort, together with other advantages hereinafter described.

It is well known that the optimum position of a sailmast longitudinal of a boat hull is, to some degree at least, a function of existing wind conditions. Thus, with wind of a given velocity and direction, best propulsion is obtained with mast 16 relatively forward, whereas, with wind of a different velocity and direction, a mast position relatively aft can be desirable. The assembly of frame 12 within journals 11 can be made adjustable longitudinally at the helmsmans option by employing an integral rack-and-pinion, block-and-tackle or similar'device, not shown, to thereby enable locked-in positioning of mast 16 in preselected location longitudinally of boat hull 10.

The capability of fore and aft positioning of the mast while underway is advantageous, because the center of effort of the sails can thereby be better related to the center of lateral resistance of the boat hull-stabilizer assembly, obtaining optimum mast position for best propulsion and also self-steering action.

Referring to FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of rigid frame 12 comprises the unitary all-welded tubular aluminum assembly incorporating three individual upwardly oriented mast steps, consisting of the forward step 15a, the intermediate step 15b and the aft step 15c. In a typical case, the mast steps are spaced apart about 24" by weld-attached tubular sections 12b, constituting the radially outward edge of frame 12, so that the user can mount his mast in the particular step which best suits his boats inherent sailing characteristics. A cut-away mast 16 is shown emplaced in step 15b, it

being understood that the base end of the mast abuts the inside of the frame base edge 12a as shown by the partial section.

Journal means, 11 in this design comprises the two oppositely disposed pipe flanges 11a and 11b, which can be fabricated from polyvinyl chloride polymers or similar, material, thesebeing slidably mounted on the two ends of base edge 12a before the frame is welded :into closed rectangular form. The downwardly directed compressive load imposed by the turnbuckle-tightened rigging stays is carried by three base pieces 21a, 21b

and 210, which may be 2 X 4 inch wood blocks, shown in end view in FIG.4. These base pieces are screw-attached to a common floor piece 22, which can typically be a l X 6 inch board. The three base pieces are each provided on their top surfaces with fixedly attached coaxially aligned, longitudinally cutaway pipe sections 23a, 23b and 23c, respectively, which serve as longitudinal ways for accommodation of fore and aft adjustment of frame 12 as hereinbefore described. If desired, floor piece 22 can be secured to the boat floor; however, this is not ordinarily necessary because retention against longitudinal movement is afforded by thwart pieces 24, hereinafter described.

The thwart pieces, which can typically be 1 inch thick plywood are preferably each cut into two separate half-sections, for'ease of rig assembly inside the boat, one half-section being detailed at 24a, FIG. 4. The abutting inboard ends are held in place by through bolts (not shown) passed through the pairs of flange bolt holes 25 overlying the ends. The outboard ends of the thwart pieces are upwardly curved, so that upper terminii underlie the boat gunwales 10b. It is preferred to provide extra strength for the thwart pieces by securing them together at the ends with longitudinal wood side pieces 26-attached thereto with wood screws 26a. Any tendency toward longitudinal shifting of the thwart piece 24 journal 11 frame .12 assembly can be countered by drilling the gunwales 10b on both sides of the boat, and also the upper edges of side pieces 26 opposite thereto, to provide sockets (not shown) accommodating single locking pins on each side of the boat.

In practice, there is very little tendency for longitudinal shifting; however, there may be some slight cocking of frame 12 upwardly, depending upon which mast step 15a, 15b or is being utilized, and the locking pin accommodates the slight movement permitting localized restraining abutment of thwart ends against the under sides of the gunwales while still preventing longitudinal shifting of the rig assembly.

Base edge 12a is drilled through at each end to receive the pins 28 of clevises 29, to which are attached block-and-tackle retention lines (not shown). These lines are drawn up taut or eased while the boat is underway to bring frame 12 to preselected longitudinal position at the operators choice, the limit of longitudinal adjustment being approximately the distance a, FIG. 3, corresponding to the length of way 23b, typically 6 l 2 inches.

The design of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 can be employed either for fixed attachment of Outriggers to frame 12 or, if desired, this construction can be readily converted to the second embodiment of this invention enabling safe mast knock-down, all as hereinafter described.

Outrigger supports 18 are preferably of two-part construction, as particularly shown in FIG. 5, to permit outboard adjustability and easy disassembly for convenience in transportation. Thus, the outrigger supports typically comprise an outboard tubular aluminum section 18b of outside diameter telescoping snugly within inboard tubular aluminum section 18a, to which his firmly secured by through bolt 32 fitted through preselected pairs of matching spaced holes 33 drilled through each of the sections 18a, 18b.

The inboard sections 18a of the outrigger supports are held in tight abutment at their inner ends against tubular sections 12d by companion clamp pieces 39a, 39b secured together by U-bolts 40. Tube sections 12d are telescopically fitted over tubular sections 12b before the weld assembly of frame 12 into closed form. The inside diameters of tube sections 12d are slightly larger than the outside diameters of tubular sections 12b, so that the sections 12d are free to rotate with respect to sections 12b, except that, in the embodiment of this invention hereinbefore described, there is fixed attachment of rigid frame 12 with outrigger supports 18, the paired tubular sections 12b, 12d being then locked together with through bolts 41 fitted through matching hole pairs in each.

The outboard ends of sections 18b are held in tight abutment with tubular sleeves 34, telescoped over tubular supports 35, by companion clamp pieces 42 secured together by U-bolts 43. Sleeves 34 are locked to tubular supports 35 by through bolts 44, passed through matching drilled hole pairs in each, which holes can be staggered peripherally of supports 35 to permit adjustments in camber of floats 19, if desired.

Depending tube lengths 45, welded at their upper ends to the underside of tubular support 35 in a plane substantially co-parallel with the longitudinal plane of frame 12, constitute the outrigger attachments to float 19'. Joinder of the lower ends of tubes 45 with the floats can be in any conventional manner, as, for example, by telescoping within aligned tubular inserts embedded in the float body material, or by pipe socket connection, or in other known manner.

With through bolts 41 inserted, tubular sections 12d are locked to tubular sections 12b, and operation is as hereinbefore detailed with respect to FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, when through bolts 41 are withdrawn, tubular sections 12d are freed for rotation about tubular sections 12b. However, the same relative positions of floats 19' with respect to rigid frame 12 and mast 16 are preserved by employing a closed loop shroud line 48 connected at the upper ends to rings 47 on the mast head and run through fair-leads 49 on the top sides of each of the floats l9, and thence to a small ring member 50, sized to slip through leads 49 if drawn that far upon disconnection, the lower ends of shroud line 48 being tied to ring 50.

As shown in FIG. 3, ring 50 can be maintained in fixed position with respect to frame 12 by engaging it with the inner end of disconnect pin 51, the outer end of which is drilled to provide an aperture 51a to which is tied a pull cord 52.

Now, when extreme heeling of floats 19' and mast 16 occurs, as shown in full line representation in FIG. 6, and there is danger of capsizing, it is only necessary to pull cord 52 to free ring 50 from the inner end of disconnect pin 51. Tube section 12d thereupon rotates counter-clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 6, under the weight of elevated left-hand float 19', and the two floats take the equilibrium positions shown in broken line representation. This pulls shroud line 48 in clockcan be taken in and the mast-stabilizer assembly restored to its normal sailing position with ring 50 retained on replaced disconnect pin 51 at the convenience of the crew.

As a safety feature, and especially where young persons are boat occupants, the free end of cord 52 can be secured to a pin mounted on hull 10, e.g., adjacent a gunwale, so that, when mast 16 cants to a predetermined angle, the free length of cord 52 will be taken up and disconnect pin 51 withdrawn automatically.

As previously mentioned, through bolts 44 can be engaged at different peripheral angles, locking sleeves 34 with tubular supports 35 in positions providing preselected inclinations of depending tubes 45, thereby giving preselected camber to floats 19'. This provides lift which enhances the sailing speeds of boats fitted with the stabilizer-rig of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An outrigger stabilizer-mast step assembly for boats fitted with conventional saild comprising, in combination, journal means attachable to a boat hull with the longitudinal axis of said journal means disposed substantially within the longitudinal central plane of said boat hull at a point aft of the bow accommodating the associated mast in preselected position lengthwise of said boat hull, and a rigid frame mounted along its base edge within said journal means for free angular rotation in a plane substantially transverse said longitudinal central plane, said frame being provided with an upwardly oriented mast step and, attached to an edge of said frame disposed radially outward from said base edge, outrigger supports extending outboard substantially normal laterally with respect to said frame from both gunwales of said boat hull preselected distances abeam, said outrigger supports being each provided with stabilizer means secured at the outboard ends of said supports in planes generally coparallel with the longitudinal plane of said rigid frame, both said stabilizer means being disposed at substantially equal immersion levels within water floating said boat hull when said frame is disposed in equilibrium position in alignment with said longitudinal central plane of said boat hull.

2. An outrigger stabilizer-mast step assembly according to claim 1 wherein said stabilizer means are buoyant floats.

3. An outrigger stabilizer-mast step assembly according to claim 1 wherein said outrigger supports are fixedly attached to said edge of said frame disposed radially outward from said base edge.

4. An outrigger stabilizer-mast step assembly according to claim 1 having said outrigger supports attached at their inboard ends to tubular means co-axially mounted in free rotational relationship with respect to said edge of said frame disposed radially outward from said base edge, and a closed loop running shroud line extending from an elevated point on said mast through fairleads carried by each of said stabilizer means and thence to ring means in substantial alignment with said longitudinal central plane of said boat hull when said boat hull and said stabilizer means are substantially in horizontal balance, and disconnectible means pinning said ring means to the angularly rotatable portion of said rigid frame, said disconnectible means being operable manually or automatically as a function of boat heeling angle. 

1. An outrigger stabilizer-mast step assembly for boats fitted with conventional saild comprising, in combination, journal means attachable to a boat hull with the longitudinal axis of said journal means disposed substantially within the longitudinal central plane of said boat hull at a point aft of the bow accommodating the associated mast in preselected position lengthwise of said boat hull, and a rigid frame mounted along its base edge within said journal means for free angular rotation in a plane substantially transverse said longitudinal central plane, said frame being provided with an upwardly oriented mast step and, attached to an edge of said frame disposed radially outward from said base edge, outrigger supports extending outboard substantially normal laterally with respect to said frame from both gunwales of said boat hull preselected distances abeam, said outrigger supports being each provided with stabilizer means secured at the outboard ends of said supports in planes generally coparallel with the longitudinal plane of said rigid frame, both said stabilizer means being disposed at substantially equal immersion levels within water floating said boat hull when said frame is disposed in equilibrium position in alignment with said longitudinal central plane of said boat hull.
 2. An outrigger stabilizer-mast step assembly according to claim 1 wherein said stabilizer means are buoyant floats.
 3. An outrigger stabilizer-mast step assembly according to claim 1 wherein said outrigger supports are fixedly attached to said edge of said frame disposed radially outward from said base edge.
 4. An outrigger stabilizer-mast step assembly according to claim 1 having said outrigger supports attached at their inboard ends to tubular means co-axially mounted in free rotational relationship with respect to said edge of said frame dispOsed radially outward from said base edge, and a closed loop running shroud line extending from an elevated point on said mast through fairleads carried by each of said stabilizer means and thence to ring means in substantial alignment with said longitudinal central plane of said boat hull when said boat hull and said stabilizer means are substantially in horizontal balance, and disconnectible means pinning said ring means to the angularly rotatable portion of said rigid frame, said disconnectible means being operable manually or automatically as a function of boat heeling angle. 